A UFC official said on Wednesday morning: “Following a recent first-person article published by heavyweight Mark Hunt, the UFC has taken the precautionary steps of removing Hunt from a previously announced bout in Sydney, Australia.

“The health-related statements made by Hunt in the article represent the first time UFC was made aware of these claims. “Athlete health and safety is of the utmost importance to the organisation and it would never knowingly schedule an athlete complaining of health issues for a fight. The organisation will require that Hunt undergo further testing and evaluations prior to competing in any future UFC bout.”

Despite his ongoing legal action against the UFC, Hunt has already fought twice this year — losing to Alistair Overeem via KO in March before rallying to beat Derrick Lewis, who was on a six-win streak, via TKO in June.

Given his popularity Down Under, the Auckland-born fighter was the obvious choice to headline the Sydney event.